A caseworker may authorize a psychiatric evaluation if:

  •  the caseworker suspects the presence of a mental, behavioral, or intellectual and developmental disability;

  •  psychological test results or a licensed clinician who has conducted a psychosocial assessment recommends a psychiatric evaluation;

  •  a copy of a current psychosocial assessment, psychological testing or psychiatric evaluation (conducted within the past 14 months) is not available;

  •  there is no other source of payment, such as Medicaid, private insurance, or a community resource; and

  •  a CPS program director has provided approval for the psychiatric evaluation; or

  •  the court orders a psychiatric evaluation.

Psychiatric Evaluations for Children in DFPS Conservatorship

For children in DFPS conservatorship, caseworkers should continue seeking psychiatric evaluations through STAR Health using current processes.